Schumann said two workers retired last year from the plant with 55 years in service and says he leaves behind some employees who have between 45 and 50 years of service at the company.
Such employee loyalty today is rare. The average person works 4.6 years at a company in the United States, according to 2014 data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
“This company offers a lot of opportunities to its employees for advancement. We have a such a unique and cool product that gives you a lot of variety on the job,” Schumann said.
The part-time farmer who owns about 100 acres of farmland near Neil Armstrong’s hometown of Wapakoneta, Schumann said he started at the company at age 22, putting insulation in trailers. After two weeks, he was promoted to another position.
“They put the rookies in the insulation section back then because it was hot and itchy,” Schumann said with a laugh. “It was kind of an initiation to see if they could count on you.”
His favorite job at the plant, started in 1920 by Wally Byum, was at the end of the assembly line. “It was more an inspection job, but it was always something different.”
Schumann has owned six Airstream trailers and the newest, a 25-foot Flying Cloud nicknamed the “Silver Schu”,” will be used in his retirement as he travels the U.S. with his wife, Karyn.
Spending more than 10,000 days in the Airstream factory during his career, Schumann said he’ll miss the employees and customers he’s worked with.
“Airstream is far bigger than any one person. It’s the longevity and knowledge of hundreds of employees who keep the Airstream vision alive,” Schumann said. “Still, I hope I made a difference — that I cared not only for our company, but about our customers and dealers. I hope somebody talks about me down the road. I hope I made a small difference somewhere along the line.”
Rick March Sr., a 28-year factory veteran, will take over Schumann’s role at Airstream, which is in the process of adding 94,000 square feet at the plant for expanded manufacturing.
Craving BBQ
Looking for a good BBQ joint to take your business clients to? Try out Fatback’s BBQ on Linden Avenue in Dayton. I tried it last week and would highly recommend it. Don’t wear your favorite white shirt and expect a good smoked taste.
Have a business tip? Call me at (937) 225-0623 or email me at rich.gillette@coxinc.com.
Rich Gillette is the Dayton Daily News business editor. Follow him on Twitter @richgillette
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